Christmas songs that are actually brilliant

[RuffleCrow]

And that you like as songs in their own right?

Controversial but my first choice is Fairytale of New York. Poignant and raw. Shattered dreams, unhealthy codependency . Also a gorgeous melody and good arrangement (for 1987!)

My other choices are:

Just for Now by Imogen Heap

and

River by Joni Mitchell

Ideally i'd like a substantial playlist i can stick on when i've heard "Merry Christmas Everybody" one time too many. All suggestions welcome

A Spaceman Came Travelling by Chris de Burgh. Very powerful indeed.

New this year - It Isn't Really Christmas Until Noddy Starts to Sing

by Don Powell's Occasional Flames (Slade drummer). Very clever lyrics!

The Pretenders-2000 Miles

I love this version of Little Drummer Boy/Oh Come All Ye Faithful:

I wanted to second December Song by George Michael, totally overshadowed by his other Christmas song but very different, beautiful and poignant. Takes a couple of listens before you get to like it though. No idea why they haven’t used it in the Last Christmas movie alongside his other great songs.

I love Sufjan Stevens' Come on Let's Boogey to the Elf Dance. It just reminds me of a couple of Christmases I spent with a great friend who had this on repeat

Underneath the Tree by Kelly Clarkson. Love it.

Agree, a great song, but I'll Be Home For Christmas is better.

I love Aspenglow and Christmas for Cowboys by John Denver. It wouldn't be Christmas if I didn't play his Rocky Mountain Christmas album.